Nancy Eckerson: Small races are not without their charm

Sunday

Oct 30, 2011 at 3:15 AM

In recent columns, I've talked about the benefits of running series races, including the motivating crowd, perks and after-race festivities. The big races are great events, with lots of energy from both runners and spectators. With all the sponsors, you never know what goodies you'll find in that swag bag.

I have to admit, though, that my best memories are from running small, even tiny races. A small race, one with less than 200 finishers, strips running to its basics and tends to attract runners who do it for one reason — because they love it.

Scroll through race listings online and you'll find races every weekend within an hour of the Seacoast, especially if you look outside the state to Maine and Massachusetts. With the smaller races, you can be spontaneous and sign up the day of the race without worry of it selling out. Decide to run a 5K instead of speed work that week? No problem, you can find one. Instead of the race dictating your plans for the weekend, choose one that fits around the rest of your schedule.

All races have a barbecue-like atmosphere, but the smaller races feel just like you are in someone's backyard, enjoying whatever they have to offer. There is generally no fanfare, no motivating speaker or music for the runners who mill about at the start. The races begin with a starter pistol, or maybe just someone who yells for everyone to gather at the start, and shouts 'Go!' Small races are usually professionally timed, but sometimes they are not. My favorite was a small local race where the race director explained at the beginning of the race, 'The timing is the best we can afford, which is nothing.' There were a couple of volunteers with stopwatches recording times at the end — nothing more was needed.

Small races are a great way to try out new terrain. Trail races tend to be smaller than road races and more runners should try them. I feel like a kid when I am running through the woods. Really, it is so much fun it feels like adults should be banned from doing it, or at least embarrassed, like eating the trick-or-treat candy. It does count as exercise even if you are smiling the whole time.

There are also a number of beach races held on the hard-packed sands at low tide, and although we are past the beach season this year, I recommend looking into them for next year. Unplug that iPod and listen to the ocean, enjoy the cool breeze, and remind yourself again how lucky we are to live around here. The hard-packed sand is springy and easy on the legs, not at all like trudging through the loose sand with your beach chairs, umbrella and cooler.

With all races, you are running against the clock and whoever shows up. Larger races may be considered more prestigious and offer bigger prizes that attract faster runners. When a small race is on the same date as one of the larger races, choosing the small race can be quite an advantage to a slower runner — you may find you place higher in your age group or better, even if your name is not announced as you cross the finish line. The results might not be posted online for a few days, but be patient, they'll get there.

At a large race, you are bound to run into someone you know. At the smaller races, you may not know anyone. That's OK — the casual atmosphere will bring out conversation in all but the quietest runners. Volunteers are the heart of all races, and at smaller races, they make you feel like a rock star, regardless of your speed or experience.

I obviously recommend trying a smaller race, but I worry that without enough participation some of my favorites will be discontinued. Check www.coolrunning.com for results to get an idea of the size of a race. Let me know your favorites and I will post a list in a future column.

Running Notes: Fall half and full marathon season is in full swing, and these are generally big races. Best of luck to runners on Nov. 6 at the All Women and One Lucky Guy half marathon in Newburyport, Mass., and the Manchester half and full marathons. And to everyone heading out for a race farther afield, best of luck for good weather and stress-free travels.

Nancy Eckerson writes about running for Foster's Sunday Citizen. You can reach her at nerunner1@comcast.net.